» The Avoidance Game Dental Practice Resources

The Avoidance Game

written by Terry - January 18th, 2011 at 8:03 am

Avoidance Behavior

A message from Terry: Is there a task that you’ve been putting off? An item on your ‘To-Do’ list that you just can’t seem to complete? If so, you may be suffering from avoidance.

When tasks involve other people – patients and/or coworkers – their presence creates a momentum that can pull us along, even on our toughest days. But when we face solo tasks, sometimes they just don’t get done, even when there’s plenty of time. When that happens, is it procrastination or avoidance? How can you tell?

Procrastination: If you know how to complete the task, have the necessary time to complete it, but you allow your focus to wander, telling yourself that you’ll still have plenty of time to finish it ‘later,’ that’s procrastination.

Avoidance: If, instead, you postpone tackling a task because you aren’t quite sure how to carry out the steps needed to complete it, or are afraid you may not have the skills or know-how to complete it successfully, that’s avoidance.

If avoidance is the cause of your lack of follow-through, realize that you’re not lazy, you’re intimidated. Still, as long as the work isn’t getting done, it’s going to weigh you down like an anchor. You need to find a solution, and get that dreaded item off of your ‘To Do’ list! But how?

The cure for avoidance is knowledge! Figure out what part of the task has you confused, then seek the information that you need. Ask a co-worker, look it up online, read a manual – do whatever it takes to turn ignorance and anxiety into accomplishment and pride. You’ll be glad you did!

Who Are We?

Terry Goss
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach and a life-long student of health and the healing arts. This passion has led her to a dedicated national career as a practice management consultant, speaker and wellness coach. With extensive training in behavioral psychology and the new neuroscience, Terry is an ever-curious student of human nature.

Janis du Pratté
30 years of experience in health-centered dental practice consulting. Trained extensively with CTI and The Arbinger Institute, she is a Professional Coach devoted to empowering teams by honing their communication skills and developing mastery in patient facilitation.

Sandy Acosta
Practice Administrator for Dr. Roman Shlafer’s progressive Michigan dental practice. She loves the daily challenge of “putting the pieces of the office puzzle together.” Sandy tackles the most challenging aspects of dental practice management with humor, creativity and upbeat optimism.

AND WHY DO WE BLOG?

We blog to raise people’s spirits, promote self-improvement, enrich inter-personal connections, and celebrate the treasures of daily life.